Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of our arrival in Hawaii! It's kind of crazy to think that we've already been here for a year. On the other hand, so much has happened in that year (we've lived in 2 houses and added 1 member to our family), that it almost seems longer than that!! When we first moved here, I complained ALOT!!! My biggest complaint.....the absence of some of my favorite restaurants. There is no Olive Garden, J. Alexander's, Jason's Deli, Chick-fil-A, Raising Canes, Zaxby's....I could go on and on. Edmond thinks it is very funny that my biggest complaint has always been about the food! Anyway, on this 1 year anniversary, I wanted to mention some of my FAVORITE things about living here!
1. the WEATHER! The weather is so wonderful here. There have been very few days in which we were not able to go outside for awhile. And that is very important with a 2-year-old son! I love being able to wear shorts ever day of the year and flip flops too, of course!! Here is a picture of us on New Year's Eve (aka Edmond's birthday). It was a beautiful warm day...can't say I've had that at any other time in my life!
2. living so close to the BEACH! We are literally within walking distance of several beaches on base. And if we get in the car, we are only 5-10 minutes away from 2 other beaches right out of the back gate. I LOVE the beach and this has been a blast for us. We don't get to go as often as we'd like, but we do enjoy it!
3. the fact that nothing is too far away! Even though I do have to drive about 30 minutes to get to Target, you can get to most parts of the island in 30-45 minutes. It's nice to be so close to so many things to do....which leads me to number 4!
4. there is SO much to do here! Here are some pictures of just a few of our favorites.
This is Hanauma Bay...a GREAT place for snorkeling (I hear...I haven't done the snorkeling but have been to the bay).
Waimea Valley Falls...this is a hike and then at the end there is a waterfall in which you can swim (this isn't a good picture and I think in the rainy season, there is more of a waterfall).
Mokapu Lighthouse Trail....we didn't make it all the way up this time, but we did a few weeks ago and saw some whales...it was so cool!
the Pearl Harbor Memorial
This is a hike Edmond did shortly after we arrived. I think it's called Mt. Olomano. It is WAY too tough for me. I don't plan on trying this one!
the Honolulu Zoo...one of our favorite things to do...we have an annual family pass and have definitely taken advantage of that!
And of course the beach. I haven't done any kayaking yet, but Edmond has and loves it. This is at one of the beaches right out of the back gate of the base.
5. And possibly my most favorite thing about living here is the scenery! You may laugh at me, but I didn't realize that Hawaii was covered by mountains! Obviously I knew there were tons of beaches, but had no idea about all of the mountains. It's so easy to look outside and marvel at this beauty my Lord has created.
This was the view we woke up to on our first morning in Hawaii...it was just breathtaking!
And this is the view from one of our favorite restaurants in Kaneohe...Haliewa Joe's. The food is great and the overall 'feel' of the restaurant is just awesome. I think we have taken ALL of our visitors there!
Although my complaint about the lack of good food is legitimate, I have to add that the most important thing we miss while being here is our family. It is so hard being so far away. The ONLY thing that makes it "do-able" is the fact that we know our being here is from the Lord. I hope that He will do big things through us over the next 2-4 years we will be here.
